Lodging at the Cather Second Home Guest House
"I am not exaggerating, Carrie, when I confide to you that I would rather go home to Red Cloud than to any of the beautiful cities in Europe where I used to love to go."
—Willa Cather, in a letter to childhood friend, Carrie Miner Sherwood [April 29, 1945]
Visitors to Red Cloud are invited to book a stay at the Cather Second Home Guest House. Guests may rent the room that was Cather's, or the rooms of her parents and siblings. The entire home may also be rented for family retreats, meetings, and special occasions. The Cather Second Home once provided Cather with a nurturing and encouraging atmosphere in which to work, while Red Cloud and its residents gave her inspiration and insights. The house—now owned and operated by the Willa Cather Foundation—is a retreat for guests as it was for Willa Cather. There are six cozy guest rooms and two-and-a-half baths.
About the Guest House
The Cather Second Home is a host-free guest house located within walking distance of the Willa Cather Foundation’s headquarters at the Red Cloud Opera House, as well as downtown restaurants and shops, a grocery store, and the Auld Public Library.
Each guest bedroom has and armoire or chest of drawers, a desk fan, and a desk and chair with lamp. Ear plugs, sleeping masks, bottled water, and a robe and slippers are provided for your comfort. A main level shared bathroom contains a vanity-mounted sink and walk-in shower. A spacious upper level shared bathroom features a claw-foot tub with shower extension and a large vanity. An additional shared half-bath on the second floor is situated at the top of the stairs in the laundry area.
Guests are free to use our fully furnished kitchen, including dishes, flatware and cooking utensils. The kitchen is stocked with coffee, teas, and basic spices. A self-serve continental breakfast is provided. Guests may also prepare their own meals and are encouraged to enjoy dining at the large oak table, which seats 6-10 guests.
The front parlor offers a relaxing and comfortable setting for family gatherings, book clubs, quilt groups, and other guests. The back parlor features beautiful antique furnishings and a library of books and games. The beautifully restored, curved front porch provides a wonderful space for reading or gathering with friends for coffee or a cocktail, while the secluded brick patio in the back is perfect for a late summer dinner.
Reservations and Policies
Price for one room: $139/night + taxes
Price for entire home: $459/night + taxes
Address: 541 North Seward Street, Red Cloud, Nebraska
Policies
- Check-in time is after 3:00 p.m.
- Check-out time is 11:00 a.m.
- Early check-in and/or late check-out is available for an additional fee
- Please remove your shoes at the door to help us maintain the restored wood floors. Soft-soled bedroom slippers are provided for your convenience.
- The Cather Second Home is a smoke-free and pet-free environment. If you are traveling with pets, we can assist you with arrangements at a kennel in Red Cloud.
History
Willa Cather's parents purchased this home in 1903, leaving behind their little rented home at Third and Cedar Streets where Willa Cather had spent her formative years. Over the next 28 years, Cather often returned to Red Cloud for long visits and was frequently seen reading and writing on the upper front porch. Cather described this house as the Ferguesson family home in her final short story, "The Best Years." Over the years, the home had several private owners and also served as a hospital, nursing facility, and bed and breakfast. It was acquired by the Willa Cather Foundation in 2011 through the generosity of a Cather family descendant.